Detachable container for aerosol delivery having pierceable membrane

ABSTRACT

A cartridge coupled or coupleable with a control body to form an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a container of aerosol precursor composition and an atomizer enclosing a reservoir configured to receive and carry aerosol precursor composition. The container and the atomizer are removably coupleable with one another, and include respectively a septum and a connector including a cannula that are engaged when the container and the atomizer are coupled to enable passage of aerosol precursor composition from the container to the reservoir. The atomizer further includes a heating element controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition in the reservoir.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such assmoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices thatmay utilize electrically generated heat for the production of aerosol(e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes).The smoking articles may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor,which may incorporate materials that may be made or derived from, orotherwise incorporate tobacco, the precursor being capable of forming aninhalable substance for human consumption.

BACKGROUND

Many devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon,or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco foruse. Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to provide thesensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, butwithout delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion andpyrolysis products that result from the burning of tobacco. To this end,there have been proposed numerous alternative smoking products, flavorgenerators, and medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy tovaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide thesensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without burning tobaccoto a significant degree. See, for example, the various alternativesmoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat generating sourcesset forth in the background art described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 toCollett et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. etal., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2014/0096782 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0059780 toDavis et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/222,615 to Watsonet al., filed Jul. 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein byreference. See also, for example, the various implementations ofproducts and heating configurations described in the background sectionsof U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371to Robinson et al., which are incorporated by reference.

However, it may be desirable to provide aerosol delivery devices withimproved electronics such as may extend usability of the devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods offorming such devices, and elements of such devices. The presentdisclosure includes, without limitation, the following exampleimplementations.

Some example implementations provide a cartridge coupled or coupleablewith a control body to form an aerosol delivery device, the cartridgecomprising a container of aerosol precursor composition; and an atomizerenclosing a reservoir configured to receive and carry aerosol precursorcomposition, wherein the container and the atomizer are removablycoupleable with one another, and include respectively a septum and acannula that are engaged when the container and the atomizer are coupledto enable passage of aerosol precursor composition from the container tothe reservoir, and wherein the atomizer further includes a heatingelement controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosolprecursor composition in the reservoir.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, thecannula includes a first passageway for the passage of aerosol precursorcomposition, and a second passageway for passage of air into thecontainer.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theatomizer further includes a second cannula that is also engaged with theseptum when the container and the atomizer are coupled, the secondcannula and the septum being engaged to enable passage of air into thecontainer.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theatomizer further comprises a porous element in the reservoir andconfigured to be at least partially saturated with the aerosol precursorcomposition in the reservoir.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theatomizer further comprises a transport component to enable fluidcommunication of aerosol precursor composition from the porous elementto the heating element.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, thecontainer and the atomizer are threadably coupleable with one another.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, thecontainer and the atomizer are engagable in a snap fit connection withone another.

In some example implementations of the cartridge of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, thecontainer and the atomizer are engagable in a pressure fit connectionwith one another.

Some example implementations provide a container of aerosol precursorcomposition, the container comprising a connector configured toremoveably couple the container with an atomizer for an aerosol deliverydevice, the atomizer enclosing a reservoir configured to receive andcarry aerosol precursor composition; and a septum that is engaged with acannula of the atomizer when the container and the atomizer are coupledto enable passage of aerosol precursor composition from the container tothe reservoir, the atomizer further including a heating elementcontrollable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosolprecursor composition in the reservoir.

In some example implementations of the container of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, septumbeing engaged with the cannula includes the septum being engaged withthe cannula that includes a first passageway for the passage of aerosolprecursor composition, and a second passage way for passage of air intothe container.

In some example implementations of the container of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theseptum is further engaged with a second cannula of the atomizer when thecontainer and the atomizer are coupled, the septum and the secondcannula being engaged to enable passage of air into the container.

In some example implementations of the container of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theseptum being engaged with the cannula includes the septum being engagedwith the cannula to enable passage of aerosol precursor composition fromthe container to a porous element in the reservoir and configured to beat least partially saturated with the aerosol precursor composition inthe reservoir.

In some example implementations of the container of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theconnector is configured to threadably couple the container with theatomizer.

In some example implementations of the container of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theconnector is configured to snap fit the container with the atomizer.

In some example implementations of the container of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theconnector is configured to pressure fit the container with the atomizer.

Some example implementations provide an atomizer for an aerosol deliverydevice, the atomizer comprising a connector configured to removeablycouple the atomizer with a container of aerosol precursor composition; areservoir configured to receive and carry aerosol precursor composition;a cannula that is engaged with a septum of the container when theatomizer and the container are coupled to enable passage of aerosolprecursor composition from the container to the reservoir; and a heatingelement controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosolprecursor composition in the reservoir.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, thecannula includes a first passageway for the passage of aerosol precursorcomposition, and a second passage way for passage of air into thecontainer.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, a secondcannula that is also engaged with the septum when the container and theatomizer are coupled, the second cannula and the septum being engaged toenable passage of air into the container.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, a porouselement in the reservoir and configured to be at least partiallysaturated with the aerosol precursor composition in the reservoir.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, atransport component to enable communication of aerosol precursorcomposition from the porous element to the heating element.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theconnector is configured to threadably couple the atomizer with thecontainer.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theconnector is configured to snap fit the container and the atomizer.

In some example implementations of the atomizer of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theconnector is configured to pressure fit the container and the atomizer.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detaileddescription together with the accompanying drawings, which are brieflydescribed below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two,three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure,regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combinedor otherwise recited in a specific example implementation describedherein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such thatany separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of itsaspects and example implementations, should be viewed as intended,namely to be combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearlydictates otherwise.

It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is providedmerely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure.Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described exampleimplementations are merely examples and should not be construed tonarrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other exampleimplementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of some described example implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device includinga cartridge coupled to a control body, according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a sectional view of the aerosol delivery device ofFIG. 1A, according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according toan example implementation of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 3-3B illustrates a partially cut-away view of the cartridge ofFIG. 2, according to an example implementations of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to example implementations thereof. These exampleimplementations are described so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theimplementations set forth herein; rather, these implementations areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” “the” and the like include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As described hereinafter, example implementations of the presentdisclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems. Aerosol delivery systemsaccording to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat amaterial (preferably without combusting the material to any significantdegree and/or without significant chemical alteration of the material)to form an inhalable substance; and components of such systems have theform of articles that most preferably are sufficiently compact to beconsidered hand-held devices. That is, use of components of preferredaerosol delivery systems does not result in the production of smoke inthe sense that aerosol results principally from by-products ofcombustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use of those preferredsystems results in the production of vapors resulting fromvolatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporatedtherein. In some example implementations, components of aerosol deliverysystems may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and thoseelectronic cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobacco and/orcomponents derived from tobacco, and hence deliver tobacco derivedcomponents in aerosol form.

Aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred aerosol delivery systemsmay provide many of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalationrituals, types of tastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physicalfeel, use rituals, visual cues such as those provided by visibleaerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe that isemployed by lighting and burning tobacco (and hence inhaling tobaccosmoke), without any substantial degree of combustion of any componentthereof. For example, the user of an aerosol generating piece of thepresent disclosure can hold and use that piece much like a smokeremploys a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of thatpiece for inhalation of aerosol produced by that piece, take or drawpuffs at selected intervals of time, and the like.

Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure also can becharacterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament deliveryarticles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provideone or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical activeingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalablesubstances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., asubstance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than itscritical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the formof an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquiddroplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” asused herein is meant to include vapors, gases and aerosols of a form ortype suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whetheror not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.

Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure generally include anumber of components provided within an outer body or shell, which maybe referred to as a housing. The overall design of the outer body orshell can vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body thatcan define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device canvary. Aerosol delivery devices are often configured in a manner thatmimics aspects of certain traditional smoking devices such as cigarettesor cigars. In this regard, aerosol delivery devices typically define asubstantially cylindrical configuration. Typically, an elongated bodyresembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be a formed from asingle, unitary housing or the elongated housing can be formed of two ormore separable bodies. For example, an aerosol delivery device cancomprise an elongated shell or body that can be substantially tubular inshape and, as such, resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette orcigar. Aerosol delivery devices often include a control body and acartridge which attach in an end-to-end relationship to define thesubstantially cylindrical configuration.

While such configurations may provide a look and feel that is similar totraditional smoking articles, these configurations may suffer fromcertain detriments. For example, cylindrically-configured aerosoldelivery devices may not define attachment points usable to retain theaerosol delivery device in a desired position when not in use. Further,the cylindrical configuration may result in the mouthpiece being exposedto the surrounding environment and therefore susceptible tocontamination. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide aerosoldelivery devices in configurations that differ from shapes associatedwith traditional smoking articles.

In one example, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device arecontained within one housing. Alternatively, an aerosol delivery devicecan comprise two or more housings that are joined and are separable. Forexample, an aerosol delivery device can possess at one end a controlbody comprising a housing containing one or more reusable components(e.g., an accumulator such as a rechargeable battery and/or capacitor,and various electronics for controlling the operation of that article),and at the other end and removably coupleable thereto, an outer body orshell containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposableflavor-containing cartridge).

Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure most preferablycomprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical powersource), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating,controlling, regulating and ceasing power for heat generation, such asby controlling electrical current flow the power source to othercomponents of the article—e.g., a microprocessor, individually or aspart of a microcontroller), a heater or heat generation member (e.g., anelectrical resistance heating element or other component, which alone orin combination with one or more further elements may be commonlyreferred to as an “atomizer”), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g.,commonly a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon application ofsufficient heat, such as ingredients commonly referred to as “smokejuice,” “e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and a mouthend region or tip forallowing draw upon the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation(e.g., a defined airflow path through the article such that aerosolgenerated can be withdrawn therefrom upon draw).

In various examples, an aerosol delivery device can comprise a reservoirconfigured to retain the aerosol precursor composition. The reservoirmay be a void space for bulk fluid or particularly can be formed of aporous material (e.g., a rigid, porous material or primarily fibrousmaterial) and thus may be referred to as a porous substrate.

A fibrous substrate useful as a reservoir in an aerosol delivery devicecan be a woven or nonwoven material formed of a plurality of fibers orfilaments and can be formed of one or both of natural fibers andsynthetic fibers. For example, a fibrous substrate may comprise afiberglass material. In particular examples, a cellulose acetatematerial can be used. In other example implementations, a carbonmaterial can be used. In further example implementations, organiccotton, polyethylene terephthalate, porous ceramic or glass, or poroussintered can be used. A reservoir may be substantially in the form of acontainer and may include a fibrous material included therein. In otherimplementations, the reservoir may be formed of a glass, plastic, orother materials not explicitly set forth herein.

In some implementations, the aerosol delivery device can include anindicator, which may comprise one or more light emitting diodes or agraphical user interface via a display. The indicator can be incommunication with the control component through a connector circuit andilluminate, for example, during a user draw on the mouthend as detectedby the flow sensor.

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of componentswithin the aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure will beevident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter.Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol deliverysystem components can be appreciated upon consideration of thecommercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such asthose representative products referenced in background art section ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device 100, andFIG. 1B illustrates a modified sectional view through the aerosoldelivery device (collectively FIG. 1), according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the aerosoldelivery device may include a control body 102 and a cartridge 104. Inparticular, FIG. 1 illustrates the control body and the cartridgecoupled to one another. The control body and the cartridge may bedetachably aligned in a functioning relationship. Various mechanisms mayconnect the cartridge to the control body to result in a threadedengagement, a press-fit engagement, an interference fit, a magneticengagement or the like. In some examples, the aerosol delivery devicemay be substantially rod-like, substantially tubular shaped, orsubstantially cylindrically shaped in some example implementations whenthe cartridge and the control body are in an assembled configuration. Inother examples, further shapes and dimensions are encompassed—e.g., arectangular or triangular cross-section, multifaceted shapes, or thelike. The cartridge and control body may include separate, respectivehousings or outer bodies, which may be formed of any of a number ofdifferent materials. The housing may be formed of any combination ofsuitable, structurally-sound materials. In some examples, the housingmay be formed of at least one of a metal or alloy, such as stainlesssteel, aluminum or the like. Other suitable materials include variousplastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal-plating over plastic, glass, andthe like.

In some example implementations, one or both of the control body 102 orthe cartridge 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be referred toas being disposable or as being reusable. The aerosol delivery devicemay include various other components disposed within the control body orcartridge or otherwise coupled thereto. These components may bedistributed between the control body and the cartridge in any of variousmanners. For example, the control body may have a replaceable battery orremovable battery or a rechargeable battery and thus may be combinedwith any type of recharging technology, including connection to atypical alternating current electrical outlet, connection to a carcharger (i.e., a cigarette lighter receptacle), connection to acomputer, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) cable orconnector, or connection to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred toas a solar cell) or solar panel of solar cells. For example, an adaptorincluding a USB connector at one end and a control body connector at anopposing end is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak etal., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one example implementation, the control body 102 and cartridge 104forming the aerosol delivery device 100 may be removably coupled to oneanother. Examples of aerosol delivery devices that may be configured tobe disposable and/or which may include first and second outer bodiesthat are configured for permanent coupling are disclosed in U.S. Pat.App. No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. In another example implementation, thecartridge and control body may incorporate the components, aspects, andfeatures disclosed herein. However, in another example implementation,the control body and cartridge may be configured to be separable suchthat, for example, the cartridge may be refilled or replaced.

FIG. 1B illustrates a more particular example of the aerosol deliverydevice 100 in which the components are representative of the componentsthat may be present in a suitable control body 102 and a cartridge 104and are not intended to limit the scope of control body and cartridgecomponents that are encompassed by the present disclosure.

The cartridge 104 can be formed of an atomizer 106 enclosing a reservoir108 configured to retain the aerosol precursor composition, andincluding a heater 110 (sometimes referred to as a heating element). Invarious configurations, this structure may be referred to as a tank; andaccordingly, the terms “cartridge,” “tank” and the like may be usedinterchangeably to refer to a shell or other housing enclosing areservoir for aerosol precursor composition, and including a heater.

In some examples, the reservoir 108 of the cartridge 104 may comprise arefillable reservoir. The reservoir may be configured to retain theaerosol precursor composition. In some example implementations, thereservoir particularly can be formed of a porous material (e.g., afibrous material) and thus may be referred to as a porous substrate(e.g., a fibrous substrate). A fibrous substrate useful as a reservoirin an aerosol delivery device can be a woven or nonwoven material formedof a plurality of fibers or filaments and can be formed of one or bothof natural fibers and synthetic fibers. For example, a fibrous substratemay comprise a fiberglass material. In particular examples, a celluloseacetate material can be used. In other example implementations, a carbonmaterial can be used. A reservoir may be substantially in the form of acontainer and may include a fibrous material included therein. In otherimplementations, the reservoir may be formed of a glass, ceramic,plastic, or other materials not explicitly set forth herein.

The reservoir 108 may be in fluid communication with a liquid transportelement adapted to wick or otherwise transport an aerosol precursorcomposition stored in the reservoir housing to the heater 110. In someexamples, a valve may be positioned between the reservoir and heater,and configured to control an amount of aerosol precursor compositionpassed or delivered from the reservoir to the heater.

Various examples of materials configured to produce heat when electricalcurrent is applied therethrough may be employed to form the heater 110.The heater in these examples may be resistive heating element such as acoil. Example materials from which the coil may be formed includeTitanium (Ti), Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide(MoSi₂), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), Molybdenum disilicide doped withAluminum (Mo(Si,Al)₂), graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g.,carbon-based foams and yarns) and ceramics (e.g., positive or negativetemperature coefficient ceramics). The heating element may comprise awire structure defining a mesh, screen or lattice structure positionedabout the liquid transport element. Example materials from which thewire mesh, screen, or lattice that may be formed of, or includetitanium, platinum, silver, palladium, Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome,Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), Molybdenumdisilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)₂), graphite and graphite-basedmaterials; and ceramic (e.g., a positive or negative temperaturecoefficient ceramic). Example implementations of heaters or heatingmembers useful in aerosol delivery devices according to the presentdisclosure are further described below, and can be incorporated intodevices described herein.

A mouthpiece 112 having an opening defined therein may be coupled to theatomizer 106 (e.g., at the mouth end) to allow for egress of formedaerosol from the cartridge 104.

The cartridge 104 may also include one or more electronic components,which may include an integrated circuit, a memory component, a sensor,or the like. The electronic components may be adapted to communicatewith a control component of the control body and/or with an externaldevice by wired or wireless means. The electronic components may bepositioned anywhere within the cartridge or a base 114 thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the control body 102 can be formed of acontrol body shell 116 that can include a control component 118 (e.g., aprinted circuit board (PCB), an integrated circuit, a memory component,a microprocessor, individually or as part of a microcontroller, and thelike), a power source 120, and one or more indicators 122 such aslight-emitting diodes (LEDs), and such components can be variablyaligned. The power source may include, for example, a battery(single-use or rechargeable), supercapacitor or the like. Furtherindicators (e.g., a haptic feedback component, an audio feedbackcomponent, or the like) can be included in addition to or as analternative to the LED. Additional representative types of componentsthat yield visual cues or indicators, such as light emitting diode (LED)components, and the configurations and uses thereof, are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 toNewton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/173,266, filed Feb. 5, 2014, to Sears et al.;which are incorporated herein by reference.

The control component 118 may be configured to direct electrical powerfrom the power source 120 to the heater 110 to heat aerosol precursorcomposition retained in the cartridge 104 to produce a vapor, which mayoccur during a user draw on a mouthpiece 112 of the cartridge. Thecontrol component 118 may include a number of electronic components, andin some examples may be formed of an electronic or printed circuit board(PCB) that supports and electrically connects the electronic components.Examples of suitable electronic components include a microprocessor orprocessor core, an integrated circuit (IC), a memory, and the like.

In some examples, the control component 118 may include amicrocontroller with an integrated processor core and memory, and whichmay further include one or more integrated input/output peripherals. Insome examples, the control component may be coupled to a communicationinterface to enable wireless communication with one or more networks,computing devices or other appropriately-enabled devices. Examples ofsuitable communication interfaces are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/638,562, filed Mar. 4, 2015, to Marion et al.,the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Andexamples of suitable manners according to which the aerosol deliverydevice may be configured to wirelessly communicate are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/327,776, filed Jul. 10, 2014, to Ampoliniet al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/609,032, filed Jan. 29,2015, to Henry, Jr. et al., each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The control body 102 and the cartridge 104 may include componentsadapted to facilitate a fluid engagement therebetween. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, the control body can include a connector 124. The base 114 ofthe cartridge can be adapted to engage the connector and can include aprojection adapted to fit within the connector. Such engagement canfacilitate a stable connection between the control body and thecartridge as well as establish an electrical connection between thebattery 120 and control component 118 in the control body, and theheater 110 in the cartridge. Further, the control body shell 116 caninclude an air intake, which may be a notch in the shell where itconnects to the connector that allows for passage of ambient air aroundthe connector and into the shell where it then passes through theconnector and into the cartridge through the projection.

A connector and a base useful according to the present disclosure aredescribed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, variousother examples of structures, shapes and components may be employed tocouple the base to the connector. In some examples the connectionbetween the base of the cartridge 104 and the connector of the controlbody 102 may be releasable such that, for example, the control body maybe reused with one or more additional cartridges that may be disposableand/or refillable.

The reservoir 108 illustrated in FIG. 1B can be substantially formedinto the shape of a tube encircling the interior of the atomizer 106, inthis example. An aerosol precursor composition can be retained in thereservoir. Liquid components, for example, can be retained by thereservoir. The reservoir can be in fluid connection with the liquidtransport element. The liquid transport element can transport theaerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir via capillaryaction to the heater 110 that is in the form of a metal wire coil inthis example. As such, the heater is in a heating arrangement with theliquid transport element. Example implementations of reservoirs andtransport elements useful in aerosol delivery devices according to thepresent disclosure are further described below, and such reservoirsand/or transport elements can be incorporated into devices as describedherein. In particular, specific combinations of heating members andtransport elements as further described below may be incorporated intodevices.

In use, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device 100, airflow isdetected by a flow sensor, and the heater 110 is activated to vaporizecomponents of the aerosol precursor composition. In someimplementations, a manual button may be used exclusively, or incombination with a flow sensor, to activate the heater. Alternatively,the manual button may be depressed to activate the heater in lieu of aflow sensor. Drawing upon the mouthpiece 112 of the aerosol deliverydevice causes ambient air to enter the air intake and pass through theconnector 124 and a central opening in a projection of the base 114. Inthe cartridge 104, the drawn air combines with the formed vapor to forman aerosol. The aerosol is whisked, aspirated or otherwise drawn awayfrom the heater and out the opening in the mouthpiece of the aerosoldelivery device.

An input element 126 may be included with the aerosol delivery device100. The input element may be included to allow a user to controlfunctions of the device and/or for output of information to a user. Forexample, a user may utilize the input element to vaporize an aerosolprecursor composition and/or activate an on/off function. The inputelement may comprise a pushbutton or other switch configured to receivean input from a user. When the input element is actuated, the aerosoldelivery device may produce an output corresponding to a status of theaerosol delivery device. For example, the aerosol delivery device mayoutput sound, vibration, or light. Any component or combination ofcomponents may be utilized as an input for controlling the function ofthe device. For example, one or more pushbuttons may be used asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/193,961, filed Feb. 28,2014, to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.Likewise, a touchscreen may be used as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/643,626, filed Mar. 10, 2015, to Sears et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference. As a further example,components adapted for gesture recognition based on specified movementsof the aerosol delivery device may be used as an input. See U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/565,137, filed Dec. 9, 2014, to Henry et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some example implementations, a computing device such as a mobilecomputer (e.g., smartphone, tablet computer) may be used as an inputelement in addition to or in lieu of an input element 126 on the aerosoldelivery device itself. In particular, the aerosol delivery device 100may be wired to the computer or other device, such as via use of a USBcord or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device also maycommunicate with a computer or other device acting as an input viawireless communication. See, for example, the systems and methods forcontrolling a device via a read request as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/327,776, filed Jul. 10, 2014, to Ampolini etal., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Insuch implementations, application software may be used in connectionwith the computing device to input control instructions to the aerosoldelivery device, such control instructions including, for example, theability to form an aerosol of specific composition by choosing thenicotine content and/or content of further flavors to be included.

In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include a numberof additional hardware-implemented or software-controlled functions. Forexample, the aerosol delivery device may include a battery protectioncircuit configured to detect battery input, loads on the batteryterminals, and charging input. The battery protection circuit mayinclude short-circuit protection and under-voltage lock out. The aerosoldelivery device may also include components for ambient temperaturemeasurement, and its control component 118 may be configured to controlat least one functional element to inhibit battery charging if theambient temperature is below a certain temperature (e.g., 0° C.) orabove a certain temperature (e.g., 45° C.) prior to start of charging orduring charging.

Power delivery from the battery 120 may vary over the course of eachpuff on the device 100 according to a power control mechanism. Thedevice may include a “long puff” safety timer such that in the eventthat a user or an inadvertent mechanism causes the device to attempt topuff continuously, the control component 118 may control at least onefunctional element to terminate the puff automatically after some periodof time (e.g., four seconds). Further, the time between puffs on thedevice may be restricted to greater than a period of time (e.g., onehundred (100) milliseconds). A watchdog safety timer may automaticallyreset the aerosol delivery device if its control component or softwarerunning on it becomes unstable and does not service the timer within anappropriate time interval (e.g., eight seconds). Further safetyprotection may be provided in the event of a defective or otherwisefailed flow sensor, such as by permanently disabling the aerosoldelivery device in order to prevent inadvertent heating. A puffing limitswitch may deactivate the device in the event of a pressure sensor failcausing the device to continuously activate without stopping after thefour second maximum puff time.

The various components of an aerosol delivery device according to thepresent disclosure can be chosen from components described in the artand commercially available. Examples of batteries that can be usedaccording to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The aerosol delivery device 100 most preferably incorporates the controlcomponent 118 or another control mechanism for controlling the amount ofelectric power to the heater 110 during draw. In some implementations,the control component may effect control of different power settings onthe aerosol delivery device. For example, at least a low, medium, andhigh power setting may be controlled for adjusting aerosol productionwithin the aerosol delivery device. Representative types of electroniccomponents, structure and configuration thereof, features thereof, andgeneral methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 toFleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., U.S. Pat.No. 8,205,622 to Pan, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0230117 to Fernandoet al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0060554 to Collet et al., U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2014/0270727 to Ampolini et al., and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/209,191 to Henry et al., filed Mar. 13, 2014,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The aerosol delivery device 100 can also incorporate the flow sensor oranother sensor or detector for control of supply of electric power tothe heater 110 when aerosol generation is desired (e.g., upon drawduring use). As such, for example, there is provided a manner or methodof turning off the power supply to the heating element when the aerosoldelivery device is not be drawn upon during use, and for turning on thepower supply to actuate or trigger the generation of heat by the heatingelement during draw. Additional representative types of sensing ordetection mechanisms, structure and configuration thereof, componentsthereof, and general methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 toMcCafferty et al., and PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or other components forsupporting the aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,528,569 to Newton, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman etal., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/011,992 to Davis et al., filedAug. 28, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/170,838 to Blesset al., filed Feb. 3, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials,and the configuration and operation of those wicking materials withincertain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forth in U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2014/0209105 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

For aerosol delivery systems that are characterized as electroniccigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition most preferablyincorporates tobacco or components derived from tobacco. In one regard,the tobacco may be provided as parts or pieces of tobacco, such asfinely ground, milled or powdered tobacco lamina. In another regard, thetobacco may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray driedextract that incorporates many of the water soluble components oftobacco. Alternatively, tobacco extracts may have the form of relativelyhigh nicotine content extracts, which extracts also incorporate minoramounts of other extracted components derived from tobacco. In anotherregard, components derived from tobacco may be provided in a relativelypure form, such as certain flavoring agents that are derived fromtobacco. In one regard, a component that is derived from tobacco, andthat may be employed in a highly purified or essentially pure form, isnicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine).

The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursorcomposition, may comprise a variety of components including, by way ofexample, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or amixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorants.Various components that may be included in the aerosol precursorcomposition are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionalrepresentative types of aerosol precursor compositions are set forth inU.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,101,839 to Jakob et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,531 to Biggs et al., U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al., and Chemical andBiological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of BurnTobacco, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988), all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulationsalso are set forth and characterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 toRobinson et al.; 2013/0213417 to Chong et al.; 2014/0060554 to Collettet al.; 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al.; and 2015/0020830 to Koller, aswell as WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may beemployed include the aerosol precursors that have been incorporated inthe VUSE® product by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product byImperial Tobacco Group PLC, the MISTIC MENTHOL product by Mistic Ecigs,and the VYPE product by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are theso-called “smoke juices” for electronic cigarettes that have beenavailable from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC.

The amount of aerosol precursor that is incorporated within the aerosoldelivery system is such that the aerosol generating piece providesacceptable sensory and desirable performance characteristics. Forexample, it is highly preferred that sufficient amounts of aerosolforming material (e.g., glycerin and/or propylene glycol), be employedin order to provide for the generation of a visible mainstream aerosolthat in many regards resembles the appearance of tobacco smoke. Theamount of aerosol precursor within the aerosol generating system may bedependent upon factors such as the number of puffs desired per aerosolgenerating piece. Typically, the amount of aerosol precursorincorporated within the aerosol delivery system, and particularly withinthe aerosol generating piece, is less than about 5 g, generally lessthan about 2.5 g, often less than about 2 g and frequently less thanabout 1 g.

Additional representative types of components that yield visual cues orindicators may be employed in the aerosol delivery device 100, such asLEDs and related components, auditory elements (e.g., speakers),vibratory elements (e.g., vibration motors) and the like. Examples ofsuitable LED components, and the configurations and uses thereof, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al., U.S. Pat. No.8,499,766 to Newton, U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/173,266 to Sears et al., filed Feb. 5,2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

Yet other features, controls or components that can be incorporated intoaerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkinset al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon, U.S.Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2005/0016550 to Katase, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0163063 to Fernandoet al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2013/0298905 to Leven et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2013/0180553 to Kim et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 toSebastian et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al.,and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261408 to DePiano et al., all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a suitable aerosol deliverydevice 200 that in some examples may correspond to the aerosol deliverydevice 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the aerosol delivery device can comprisea control body 202 and a cartridge 204, which may correspond torespectively the control body 102 and cartridge 104 of FIG. 1. Thecontrol body may define an ergonomic shape configured to comfortably fitwithin a user's hand. The shape of the housing, however, is not limitedand may be any shape that accommodates the various elements as describedherein. In some implementations, the housing may be expresslynon-cylindrical.

As previously explained, the cartridge 204 can be formed of an atomizer206 enclosing a reservoir 208 therein, which in some examples maycorrespond to the atomizer 106 and reservoir 108 of FIG. 1. In someexample implementations, the reservoir may be a refillable reservoir,and a container of aerosol precursor composition may be provided forrefilling the reservoir. The cartridge and container may be removably,sealably connectable to one another such that the sealed couplingbetween the cartridge and the container may be configured to enable thetransfer of aerosol precursor composition between the container and theaerosol delivery device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a cartridge 300 of an aerosol deliverydevice that in some examples may correspond to the cartridge 204 of FIG.2, or the cartridge 104 of FIGS. 1A, 1B. As shown, the cartridge mayinclude an atomizer 304 with an outer wall 302, reservoir 306, andheater 308 that may correspond to respective ones of the atomizer 206,reservoir 208, and heater 210 of the cartridge 204 of FIG. 2.

As more particularly shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 300 may comprise acontainer 312 of aerosol precursor composition, and the atomizer 304enclosing the reservoir 306 configured to receive and carry aerosolprecursor composition. In some example implementations, the reservoir isa refillable reservoir, and the container of aerosol precursorcomposition is provided for refilling the reservoir. The container andthe atomizer are removably coupleable with one another via a connector310.

As shown in FIG. 3, the container 312 may include a septum 318, and theatomizer 304 may include the connector 310 including a cannula 320 thatare engaged when the container and the atomizer are coupled to enablepassage of aerosol precursor composition from the container to thereservoir 306. The septum may provide a sealed coupling between thecannula and the container to enable the transfer of aerosol precursorcomposition between the container and the reservoir and to preventleakage.

The container 312 may include a cylindrical portion defining a largeaperture adjacent to a cavity but which may closed off by the septum 318where the septum may be solid material. In some implementations, theseptum may be molded or otherwise formed from any suitable elastomericmaterial such as silicone, rubber or the like. Also, in someimplementations, the septum may be comprised of a metallic foilmaterial. Further, in some implementations, the septum may be made ofdifferent elastomeric materials, which may have different rigidity andflexibility. For example, the septum may have a weakened core of thesame or different elastomeric material from the rest of the septum tofacilitate movement of the cannula through the septum. At the same time,the integrity of the septum is maintained because the rest is formed ofstrong elastomeric material.

The cannula 320 may be inserted through the material of the septum 318to bring a distal opening of the cannula into communication with aerosolprecursor composition within the container 312 to facilitate fluid flowthrough the lumen of the cannula. In some implementations, the cannulamay include a sharp distal end to penetrate a rigid septum and a bluntend to penetrate a septum that is less rigid. The septum may self-sealaround the cannula when penetrated by the cannula. The cannula may becontained within an outer wall 302 of the atomizer 304 to shroud thecannula and reduce the risk of injuries from touching the sharp distalof the cannula when the cannula is removed from the container. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the outer wall may fit over a cylindrical portionof the container as the cannula extends into and through the septum intothe cavity.

In some examples, the atomizer 304 may include a heating element 308controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosolprecursor composition in the reservoir 306. In this regard, the heatingelement may include a resistive heating element in the form of a metalwire coil. The resistive heating element may include positive andnegative terminals at the opposing ends thereof for facilitating currentflow through the resistive heating element and for attachment of theappropriate wiring (not illustrated) to form an electrical connection ofthe resistive heating element with the power source 212 when theatomizer 304 is connected to the control body 202. When the atomizer isconnected to the control body, an electrical connection may form suchthat current controllably flows from the power source to the resistiveheating element.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in some examples, the cannula 320 may includea first passageway 322 for the passage of aerosol precursor composition,and a second passageway 324 for passage of air into the container. Asillustrated in FIG. 3 the first passageway is configured to provide acapillary passageway and control flow of aerosol precursor compositionfrom the container 312 to the heating element 308 in the reservoir 306.The second passageway may be included to allow replacement air into thecontainer 312 as the precursor composition level subsides. In analternative implementation, as shown in FIG. 3B the atomizer 304 mayfurther include a second cannula 326 that is also engaged with theseptum 318 when the container 312 and the atomizer are coupled, thesecond cannula and the septum being engaged to enable passage of airinto the container.

In some implementations, the atomizer 304 may further comprise a porouselement 328 in the reservoir 306 and configured to be at least partiallysaturated with the aerosol precursor composition in the reservoir, asillustrated in FIG. 3. In particular, the porous element may beconfigured to receive aerosol precursor composition from the firstpassageway 322 of the cannula 320. In some implementations, the porouselement may comprise nickel, stainless steel fiber felt, macromolecularpolymer foam or foamed ceramics, or any material with suitablecapabilities in liquid absorption and diffusion, and the ability toabsorb the precursor composition in the reservoir.

In some implementations, the atomizer 304 may further comprise atransport component 314 to enable fluid communication of aerosolprecursor composition from the porous element 322 to the heating element308. As mentioned above, the reservoir 306 may be in fluid communicationwith the transport element 314 adapted to wick or otherwise transportaerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir to the heater 308.A transport element for use according to the present invention can beany component that functions to transport one or more components of anaerosol precursor composition from a reservoir to an aerosolization zonein the smoking article where a resistive heating element aerosolizes theaerosol precursor composition and thus form an aerosol. In particular,the transport element particularly may be a wick that utilizes capillaryaction in the transport of aerosol precursor composition. A wick for useaccording to the implementations herein may be any material thatprovides sufficient wicking action to transport one or more componentsof the aerosol precursor composition to an aerosolization zone.Non-limiting examples include natural and synthetic fibers, such ascotton, cellulose, polyesters, polyamides, polylactic acids, glassfibers, combinations thereof, and the like. Other exemplary materialsthat can be used in wicks include metals, ceramics, and carbonizedmaterials (e.g., a foam or monolith formed of a carbonaceous materialthat has undergone calcining to drive off non-carbon components of thematerial). The term “wick” is also intended to encompass capillarytubes, and any combination of elements providing the desired capillaryaction can be used.

In some implementations, the container 312 and the atomizer 304 arethreadably coupleable with one another. Particularly, the atomizer maybe internally threaded where the container may include an externallythreaded portion. The container may be sealably connectable with theatomizer by being threadable onto the internally threaded portion of theatomizer.

In some implementations, the container 312 and the atomizer 304 areengagable in a snap fit connection with one another. In particular, asnap fit engagement may be provided for releasably joining the containerand atomizer and enable a secure connection. One example of a snap fitconnection includes a locking arm integrally formed on the atomizer anda rigid locking frame integrally formed on the container (not shown).The locking arm may include a projection which may define a step portionand a cam surface. The locking frame may generally have rectangularshape and may define a generally rectangular aperture adapted to receivethe locking arm. An integral resilient tab may extend outwardly from theatomizer and into the locking frame aperture. The resilient tab may bedeflected by insertion of the locking arm into the locking frameaperture and may maintain a secure engagement between the locking armand locking frame.

In some implementations, the container 312 and the atomizer 304 areengagable in a pressure fit connection with one another. One example ofa pressure fit connection includes recessed receptacles formed thecontainer (not shown). These receptacles may receive pins (not shown)that project from the atomizer. The engagement between the container andthe atomizer may be in the manner of a press-fit engagement.Alternatively, an interior lip (not shown) may be provided along thecontainer and this lip may be received in a corresponding recess of theatomizer.

In some examples, a control component may be configured to controloperation of functional element(s) of the aerosol delivery device basedon the engagement of the container 312 and atomizer 304. As described inthe examples below, this control component may be the control component208 of the control body 102. It should be understood, however, that thecontrol component may be instead another control component of thecontrol body or the atomizer 104.

Functional element(s) of the aerosol delivery device 100 may becontrolled in any of a number of different manners in based on the onthe engagement of the container 312 and atomizer 304. For example,functional element(s) may be controlled to alter a locked state of theaerosol delivery device. This may include, for example, enabling ordisabling one or more components of the aerosol delivery device foroperation when the container and atomizer are engaged

In addition to or in lieu of control to alter a locked state of theaerosol delivery device 100, an indicator 122 (e.g., visual indicator,audio indicator, haptic indicator) may be controlled to provide auser-perceptible feedback (e.g., visual, audible, haptic feedback) thatindicates the amount of aerosol precursor composition. The feedback mayinclude, for example, a visual, audible and/or haptic notification thatthe container 312 and atomizer 306 are engaged or not engaged. Ininstances in which container and atomizer not engaged, the indicator mayprovide the user-perceptible feedback such as an alarm, buzzer,vibration or visual indicator (e.g., LED) to warn the user.

The foregoing description of use of the article(s) can be applied to thevarious example implementations described herein through minormodifications, which can be apparent to the person of skill in the artin light of the further disclosure provided herein. The abovedescription of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of thearticle but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements ofdisclosure of the present disclosure. Any of the elements shown in thearticle(s) illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 or as otherwise described above maybe included in an aerosol delivery device according to the presentdisclosure.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specificimplementations disclosed, and that modifications and otherimplementations are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example implementations in the context ofcertain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative implementations without departing from thescope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cartridge coupled or coupleable with a controlbody to form an aerosol delivery device, the cartridge comprising: acontainer of aerosol precursor composition; and an atomizer enclosing areservoir configured to receive and carry aerosol precursor composition,wherein the container and the atomizer are removably coupleable with oneanother, and include respectively a septum and connector including acannula that are engaged when the container and the atomizer are coupledto enable passage of aerosol precursor composition from the container tothe reservoir, and wherein the atomizer further includes a heatingelement controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosolprecursor composition in the reservoir.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1,wherein the cannula includes a first passageway for the passage ofaerosol precursor composition, and a second passageway for passage ofair into the container.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein theatomizer further includes a second cannula that is also engaged with theseptum when the container and the atomizer are coupled, the secondcannula and the septum being engaged to enable passage of air into thecontainer.
 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the atomizer furthercomprises a porous element in the reservoir and configured to be atleast partially saturated with the aerosol precursor composition in thereservoir.
 5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the atomizer furthercomprises a transport component to enable fluid communication of aerosolprecursor composition from the porous element to the heating element. 6.The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container and the atomizer arethreadably coupleable with one another.
 7. The cartridge of claim 1,wherein the container and the atomizer are engagable in a snap fitconnection with one another.
 8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein thecontainer and the atomizer are engagable in a pressure fit connectionwith one another.
 9. A container of aerosol precursor composition, thecontainer comprising: a connector configured to removeably couple thecontainer with an atomizer for an aerosol delivery device, the atomizerenclosing a reservoir configured to receive and carry aerosol precursorcomposition; and a septum that is engaged with a cannula of the atomizerwhen the container and the atomizer are coupled to enable passage ofaerosol precursor composition from the container to the reservoir, theatomizer further including a heating element controllable to activateand vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition in thereservoir.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein septum being engagedwith the cannula includes the septum being engaged with the cannula thatincludes a first passageway for the passage of aerosol precursorcomposition, and a second passage way for passage of air into thecontainer.
 11. The container of claim 9, wherein the septum is furtherengaged with a second cannula of the atomizer when the container and theatomizer are coupled, the septum and the second cannula being engaged toenable passage of air into the container.
 12. The container of claim 9,wherein the septum being engaged with the cannula includes the septumbeing engaged with the cannula to enable passage of aerosol precursorcomposition from the container to a porous element in the reservoir andconfigured to be at least partially saturated with the aerosol precursorcomposition in the reservoir.
 13. The container of claim 9, wherein theconnector is configured to threadably couple the container with theatomizer.
 14. The container of claim 9, wherein the connector isconfigured to snap fit the container with the atomizer.
 15. Thecontainer of claim 9, wherein the connector is configured to pressurefit the container with the atomizer.
 16. An atomizer for an aerosoldelivery device, the atomizer comprising: a connector configured toremoveably couple the atomizer with a container of aerosol precursorcomposition; a reservoir configured to receive and carry aerosolprecursor composition; a cannula that is engaged with a septum of thecontainer when the atomizer and the container are coupled to enablepassage of aerosol precursor composition from the container to thereservoir; and a heating element controllable to activate and vaporizecomponents of the aerosol precursor composition in the reservoir. 17.The atomizer of claim 16, wherein the cannula includes a firstpassageway for the passage of aerosol precursor composition, and asecond passage way for passage of air into the container.
 18. Theatomizer of claim 16 further comprising a second cannula that is alsoengaged with the septum when the container and the atomizer are coupled,the second cannula and the septum being engaged to enable passage of airinto the container.
 19. The atomizer of claim 16 further comprising aporous element in the reservoir and configured to be at least partiallysaturated with the aerosol precursor composition in the reservoir. 20.The atomizer of claim 19 further comprising a transport component toenable communication of aerosol precursor composition from the porouselement to the heating element.
 21. The atomizer of claim 16, whereinthe connector is configured to threadably couple the atomizer with thecontainer.
 22. The atomizer of claim 16, wherein the connector isconfigured to snap fit the container and the atomizer.
 23. The atomizerof claim 16, wherein the connector is configured to pressure fit thecontainer and the atomizer.